PTO Minutes for January 8, 2007

 In attendance:  Rick Ebel, Donna Sullivan-Macdonald, Allyson Downing, Diana Schwaigert, Lynne Baechle, Sheila Royer, Lisa Herbert, Moira Daly, Carol McQuillen, Melinda Tate, Kathy Fox, Connie Keetle, Nancy Hellen, Linda Norris, Lisa Kunin

 Allyson Downing called the meeting to order. 

1.  Review of the minutes from the meeting of November 13, 2006, was deferred until the next February 12 meeting. 

2.  Technology Update:  Donna Sullivan-Macdonald

Estimates for the ceiling-mounted projection system to be installed in Mrs. Tate’s classroom were obtained.  An initial quote of $1500 was felt to be too high.  Purchasing component parts, including two carts for storing the components and the computer projection system, will cost $910.  Mrs. Tate will donate speakers and a receiver.  This project is being funded by the district, and will serve as a “pilot” that hopefully will be replicated in other classrooms using proceeds from the Pizza Uno fundraisers. 

3. Chess Club – Kathy Fox

Chess Club will start on Friday, February 2 (NOT 12^th as erroneously printed in the January PTO Newsletter) and will run for from 2:40-4:30 for six weeks, with an optional seventh week tournament.  The club will continue to provide basic instruction, but because of the number of participants, will be divided into K-2 and 3-5.  There are two chess instructors, but parent volunteers are needed to help with snack, set up, etc.  The fee will be $20 to cover snacks and tournament trophies and/or ribbon.  There are sufficient chess boards and clocks from last year.  Carol McQuillen suggested Kathy contact Nancy Lavarnway regarding recruiting high school students who may be available to volunteer.

 Lynne Baechle made a motion that the PTO approve the Chess Club’s $20 fee for supplies and snack.  Allyson Yandow seconded the motion.  All were in favor.

4.  Playground Supplies – Nancy Hellen

The playground supervisors have been teaching games to the children at recess for which they have been borrowing equipment and supplies from Carol Wheeler and Mr. Wilhite (balls, cones, jump ropes) and are requesting funding from the PTO to pay for playground supplies. A cart in which to store and secure the items is also needed.  The amount requested was $200 and Nancy asked that the PTO considered this an ongoing line-item in the annual budget. 

 Linda Norris motioned that the PTO provide $200 for purchase of playground supplies and a storage cart.  Allyson Yandow seconded.  All were in favor.

5.  Odyssey of the Mind – Nancy Hellen

There are currently two teams; a K-1 with five members, and a 2-5 with six members.  Teams are meeting every Friday.  On February 10 there will be a “Spontaneous Scrimmage” during which students practice making a piece with a coach.  On March 10, the tournament will be held at UVM.  Volunteers are needed to serve as judges.   This requires a one day commitment, and training will be provided. 

 This project is currently being funded by the district.  If the Orchard teams wins and advances, funding from the PTO may be sought. 

6.  Drama – Lisa Kunin

The Jungle Book production will be performed on January 25, 26 & 27.  With regard to ticket sales, every effort is being made to accommodate all families who wish to see the performance.  Families of children in the performance will receive two tickets for each evening performance.  Ticket order forms will go out one week earlier this year (January 12) and families will be encouraged to purchase only the number of tickets they anticipate needing.  The Thursday performance is now being billed as a matinee, for which tickets will be sold.  This is in an effort to encourage greater attendance during the daytime performance.   

Carolyn Fitzgerald is coordinating the makeup.  A professional kit has been purchased at a cost of $300, an increase from last year.  The make-up is of better quality and individual replacement colors can be purchased, reducing the overall cost.  There will be greater coordination between costumes and make-up this year, and a face-painter has been consulted to assist with the animal designs.  Set design, costumes, props and rehearsals are going well. 

 The performance to date is running on budget.  A grant of $2000 has been received from the Wyndham Foundation.  Fund-raising is ongoing through T-shirt sales.  There will be a raffle, for which gifts have been donated, and a bake sale at each performance.  Kim Steinfeld has arranged for Ben and Jerry’s to once again donate ice cream novelties for purchase at intermission.  DVDs of the performance will be sold.  Every effort will be made to keep the recording under two hours, thus on one DVD to reduce costs. 

7.  Treasurer’s Report – Sheila Royer

Since the November meeting, the following fund raising has occurred:

 There being no further agenda items, Allyson Yandow motioned to adjourn the meeting.  Sheila Royer seconded, and all were in favor.

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  This page last updated: 02/20/07.